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Christian Klien

Formula 1 driver

Christian Klien
Credit: BMW
Vital statistics for Christian Klien
NationalityAUT
BirthplaceHohenems, Austria
Born7 February 1983
Age40
F1 debutAustralian Grand Prix, 2004

Christian Klien raced in Formula One between 2004 and 2006, driving for Jaguar, Red Bull, BMW and more. He had a brief comeback with HRT in 2010, but following that final F1 stint, he moved to endurance racing and V8 Supercars.

F1 biography

Christian Klien started out racing in karting series across Europe, but joined the Formula BMW Championship in 1999. He also participated in Formula Renault 2000 and Formula Three Euroseries before getting his break in Formula One. Klien's debut came with the Jaguar team in 2004, when he was drafted in to replace Justin Wilson.

When Jaguar were bought out by Red Bull, Klien's services were retained for two more years but he was dropped for the final three races of 2006. Klien moved to Honda, where he became test and reserve driver, and then took up similar positions at BMW Sauber and HRT. In 2010, Klien was granted a couple of racing opportunities in the HRT towards the end of the year, but the team did not sign him for 2011 and he left the sport.

Since departing from F1, he has raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, International V8 Supercars, the FIA Endurance championship, and Renault Sport trophy series'.